Long-Range Optical Device And Focusing Unit

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a long-range optical device having at least one sight channel and having an image capturing channel, wherein the image capturing channel comprises a camera module for electronically capturing images, and wherein in the sight channel, a first beam path is formed by a first objective, a first focusing lens, an erecting system and a first eyepiece, and wherein in the image capturing channel, a second beam path is formed by a second objective, a second focusing lens and a second eyepiece, and wherein the first focusing lens and the second focusing lens are displaceable together by means of a first focusing unit, and wherein in the first beam path of the sight channel, a reference image plane is determined by a reticle or by an image reproduced by projection optics, and that the first eyepiece of the sight channel is displaceable by means of a second focusing unit for focusing on the reference image plane.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Austrian Patent ApplicationNo. A 50656/2019 filed Jul. 19, 2019, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a long-range optical device and a method forobserving a distant object with the long-range optical device accordingto the preambles of claims 1 and 9.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is the object of the invention to provide a device and a method bymeans of which images of distant objects can be produced with an imagequality that is as high as possible and by means of which a user iscapable of carrying out simple, comfortable operation of a long-rangeoptical device.

This object is achieved by means of a device and a method according tothe claims.

The object is achieved by a long-range optical device having at leastone sight channel and having an image capturing channel, wherein theimage capturing channel comprises a camera module for electronicallycapturing images, and wherein in the sight channel, a first beam path isformed by a first objective, a first focusing lens, an erecting systemand a first eyepiece, and wherein in the image capturing channel, asecond beam path is formed by a second objective, a second focusing lensand a second eyepiece, and wherein the first focusing lens and thesecond focusing lens are displaceable together by means of a firstfocusing unit, wherein in the first beam path of the sight channel, areference image plane is determined by a reticle or by an imagereproduced by projection optics, and wherein the first eyepiece of thesight channel is displaceable by means of a second focusing unit forfocusing on the reference image plane.

Advantageously, in the long-range optical device the first focusing unitcomprises a focusing ring and an adjusting mechanism, which is coupledto the focusing ring, for displacing the first focusing lens and thesecond focusing lens in parallel to optical axes of the first and thesecond beam paths.

It is further provided that the second focusing unit comprises a diopterring for displacing the eyepiece lenses in parallel to the optical axisof the first beam path.

According to a further formation of the long-range optical device, thecamera module comprises a third focusing unit.

It is also advantageous for the camera module to comprise an electronicimage capturing sensor and for the third focusing unit to comprise anautofocus unit. This makes it possible to achieve focusing on thecamera's image sensor with consistently high quality that would not bepossible on the basis of subjective assessment of the image sharpnessperceived by an operator alone.

It can further be useful that the second beam path of the imagecapturing channel comprises an afocal lens system.

The formation of the long-range optical device, according to which thefirst focusing lens of the sight channel is arranged on a side of thereference image plane facing away from the first eyepiece, has theadvantage that thereby focusing of the eyepiece lenses on the reticleand focusing of the image of the distant object on the reference imageplane can be carried out independently.

By the further formation, in which the long-range optical device isformed having two sight channels, it is possible to enable the operatorto comfortably observe with both eyes.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for observing adistant object with a long-range optical device in a formation asdescribed above, wherein an operator, while looking through the sightchannel, subjectively focuses the first eyepiece of the sight channel tothe reference image plane by means of the second focusing unit, andsubsequently, while aiming at the distant object, an image of thedistant object is focused by means of the first focusing unit, andsubsequently an image of the distant object is automatically focused inthe image capturing channel by means of the third focusing unit of thecamera module.

The approach in which a processing unit detects the completion ofmovement of the focusing lens and subsequently the processing unitautomatically triggers the focusing of the image of the distant objectin the image capturing channel, is advantageous.

In an alternative measure it is provided that when an electronicoperating button is actuated by the operator, focusing of the image ofthe distant object in the image capturing channel is triggered.

It is also advantageous if a wireless connection of the long-rangeoptical device to an electronic terminal is established and the image ofthe distant object is displayed on a display device by the electronicterminal, and when the operator selects an image detail of the image ofthe distant object on the electronic terminal, the autofocus function ofthe camera module is automatically controlled to focus on the selectedimage detail. This has the advantage that, hence, focusing on differentdetails and/or objects at different distances in the scene can becarried out on the electronic terminal without manual actions forfocusing having to be carried out on the long-range optical deviceitself.

The object of the present invention is also achieved by a long-rangeoptical device comprising at least one sight channel and an imagecapturing channel with a camera module, wherein the sight channel andthe image capturing channel are coupled to one another by means of anadjusting mechanism such that a first image detail observed in the sightchannel essentially corresponds to a second image detail captured by thecamera module, at least one interface module for establishing aconnection with an electronic terminal, a processing unit, at least onememory unit, wherein the memory unit is formed for storing parametersand/or functions, wherein an electronic operating button is provided forretrieving a preselected parameter and carrying out a function.

By the combination of a sight channel and an image capturing channel injust one long-range optical device, the operator or a user is able toobserve distant objects without optical loss and, if desired, to simplyrecord a digital image, an image sequence or a video of the viewed imagedetail. In place of a long-range optical observation device and aseparate image capturing device, now two devices and/or functions arecombined in one long-range optical device according to the invention,said device being particularly compact.

Optionally, a second sight channel can be provided so as to be able tosee an image with two eyes.

By arrangement of the sight channel and the image capturing channelabove one another, the long-range optical device can be gripped and/oroperated with both the left and the right hand of the operator in likemanner.

When a digital image, an image sequence and/or a video of an imagedetail observed through the long-range optical device is captured, it istransmitted to the electronic terminal via the connection essentially inreal time and/or with a low latency. In the memory unit of thelong-range optical device, images, image sequences and/or videos onlyhave to be buffered for a short time. Therefore, the memory unit merelyhas to provide a small memory space. The long-range optical deviceaccording to the invention can thus still be designed simply and in acompact manner.

In the alternative to this, if there is no active connection with anelectronic terminal, a digital image, an image sequence and/or a videocan also be buffered in the memory unit of the long-range opticaldevice. Later, as soon as there is an active connection again, a digitalimage, an image sequence and/or a video can be forwarded to theelectronic terminal and be shown, evaluated and/or stored there.

Advantageously, the long-range optical device according to the inventionis coupled to an electronic terminal. The electronic components and/orparts provided in the long-range optical device can hence be designed ina very simple manner, since all logic is provided on the electronicterminal. The electronic terminal can be a smartphone, a tabletcomputer, a portable computer, a desktop PC or a server installation.Since the long-range optical device merely comprises a very small numberof electronic components and/or parts, the energy consumption is alsorelatively low.

The electronic operating button is a simple mechanical button with anactuating contact. In this regard, the actuating contact can be designedas a normally open contact, wherein a preselected parameter is called upand/or a function is executed when the operating button is actuated. Afunction can be switching on the long-range optical device, switchingoff the long-range optical device, coupling the long-range opticaldevice to the electronic terminal, capturing an image by means of theimage capturing channel, capturing a video by means of the imagecapturing channel, starting an object recognition, object detection,object classification, and so on. In this regard, the functions arecalled up in each case via a predefined actuation of the electronicoperating button, for example by actuation for a certain period of timeor by multiple defined subsequent actuations. A parameter can be atrigger pressure or a trigger time for capturing an image, an imagesequence or a video, which are defined and/or stored for a specificoperator.

In an embodiment not shown in further detail, it is also conceivablethat the electronic operating button is designed as a button, rotaryknob or as a touch control panel.

Moreover, it can be useful if a single electronic operating button isprovided for carrying out a plurality of items from the group ofparameters and functions.

An operator is provided with an operating possibility for the long-rangeoptical device that is particularly easy and intuitive by means of justone single electronic operating button. By varyingly long actuations ofthe operating button, the operator can call up and/or execute diverseparameters and functions. In the alternative, a sequence of definedactuations can be provided to call up certain parameters or to execute afunction.

Moreover, only a single electronic operating button allows a compact andcost-effective design of the long-range optical device according to theinvention, since mechanical and electronic components only have to beprovided for one operating button.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating button is designed tobe essentially ellipsoid and/or symmetrical to the central axis of thehousing. The operating button can thus be ergonomically designed suchthat it can be easily actuated by the operator.

In addition to this, it can be provided that the operating button isdesigned to be essentially flush with a surface of a housing of thelong-range optical device. Hence, the housing can be designed to becompact and ergonomically shaped.

An embodiment, according to which it can be provided that the operatingbutton comprises a recess, wherein the recess is formed as anorientation aid for at least one finger of a hand of an operator, isalso advantageous.

The operator is hence enabled to quickly and easily find the operatingbutton while simultaneously observing and object and/or an image detailthrough the long-range optical device.

According to a further development, it is possible that a display unitis arranged on the housing, by means of which display unit calling up aparameter and/or executing a function can be visualized.

The operator can hence directly receive a visual feedback on whether andwhich parameter is called up and on whether and which function isexecuted. Furthermore, a visual feedback is conceivable here, whichsignals the faulty execution or the termination of a function.

It can moreover be useful if the display unit comprises at least onelighting unit variable in color.

Hence, a different visualization of different parameters and/orfunctions can be achieved. The operator can thus easily differentiatewhich parameter is called up and/or which function is executed. Thiswould further allow for visualization by means of the lighting unit indarkness. The lighting unit can comprise one or multiple LEDs allowingfor energy-efficient lighting.

Moreover, it can be provided that at least one display segment that canbe lighted is provided on the housing, by means of which display segmenta charging state of an energy storage of the long-range optical devicecan be shown.

Advantageously, by means of lighting individual and/or different displaysegments of the display unit, multiple different visualizing andsignaling possibilities can be created, wherein different parametersand/or functions can be shown each in a different manner. The displayunit can hence be designed in a particularly compact and clear manner.

Moreover, it can be provided that an acoustic output unit is provided,by means of which the retrieval of a parameter and/or the execution of afunction can be signaled.

In addition to the optical signaling, it can be advantageous to alsoprovide acoustic signaling. While the operator is observing an objectthrough the long-range optical device or is capturing an image, an imagesequence or a video, or an object classification is carried out togetherwith an external device; hence, the acoustic output unit can be used forsimple signaling, for example, the start of an image capturing or thecompletion of a classification. The operator therefore does not have toremove their view from a scene viewed through the sight channel.

According to a particular embodiment, it is possible that the operatingbutton is formed as an eye cup, wherein the eye cup is arranged on thesight channel on the side of the eyepiece.

To further provide a compact and simple long-range optical device, theeye cup can be formed as an operating button. When the eye cup ispressed, the actuating contact for retrieval of a parameter or forexecuting a function can be actuated. Changing the operator's grip to aseparately arranged operating button in the course of observing a sceneand/or an object can be dispensed with in this regard, which furtherincreases operating comfort.

It can also be advantageous to control the long-range optical device viaan integrated microphone by means of voice commands (acoustic inputdevice) or to support bird recognition by recording and subsequentlyanalyzing bird song.

According to an advantageous further embodiment, it can be provided thatthe connection is designed as a wireless connection.

The wireless connection can be designed as a WLAN, Bluetooth or NFCconnection. Hence, potential wiring effort of the long-range opticaldevice with a mobile terminal is dispensed with, whereby the operatingcomfort for the operator can be further improved.

In particular, it can be advantageous if the electronic terminal isdesigned as a smartphone, which can be coupled to the long-range opticaldevice by means of the wireless connection.

Captured images, image sequences and/or videos can be easily viewed onthe displays provided as standard on smartphones. The technologies forestablishing a wireless connection provided in smartphones as standardcan further be used for the transmission of the images, image sequencesand/or videos. Additional hardware, besides the long-range opticaldevice and the smartphone, is thus not required, which also enables acompact design of the overall system.

It can further be provided that the operating button comprises a firstmeasuring device for determining an actuating period, wherein in case ofa first actuating period, a first function can be executed and in caseof a second actuating period differing from the first actuating period,a second function differing from the first function can be executed.

In this regard, for example, the time during which an actuating contactfor the operating button is closed can be measured.

Moreover, it can be provided that the operating button comprises asecond measuring device for determining a time interval between theactuations of the operating buttons, wherein in case of a firstactuating period, at least one first time interval and at least onesecond actuating period, a first function can be executed and in case ofa third actuating period, at least one second time interval and at leastone fourth actuating period, a second function differing from the firstfunction can be executed.

Between the individual actuations, the operating button is not actuatedmeaning that the actuating contact is open.

An embodiment, according to which it can be provided that the operatingbutton comprises a third measuring device for determining an actuatingforce, wherein in case of a first actuating force, a first function canbe executed and in case of a second actuating force differing from thefirst actuating force, a second function differing from the firstfunction can be executed, is also advantageous.

The third measuring device may be a force transducer and/or force sensorby means of which the actuating force is measured.

According to a further embodiment, it is possible that the firstmeasuring device and/or the second measuring device and/or the thirdmeasuring device are coupled to the processing unit, wherein based onthe determined actuating period, the determined time interval and/or thedetermined actuating force, parameters can be called up and/or functionscan be executed.

It can further be useful if a support unit is formed, in which supportunit at least one first housing of the sight channel, a second housingof the image capturing channel, the adjusting mechanism, the interfacemodule and the processing unit are arranged.

Advantageously, in the course of assembly, optical, mechanical andelectronic components are pre-installed on the support unit and then, inthe course of final assembling, the housing is simply slid on and/orslid together with individual housing parts.

Moreover, it can be provided that a first heat dissipation device isformed between the support unit and the processing unit and/or that asecond heat dissipation device is formed between the support unit andthe first housing of the sight channel and/or that a third heatdissipation device is formed between the housing of the long-rangeoptical device and the camera module.

During longer lasting operation of the long-range optical device,increased heat release from the processing unit or the image capturingdevice can occur. For heat dissipation, preferably multiple heatdissipation devices are provided on the support unit and/or the housingfor dissipating the heat. For an improved heat dissipation, the supportunits can be made of aluminum and the heat dissipation devices can bemade of copper.

The invention further relates to an observation and image capturingsystem comprising a long-range optical device and an electronicterminal, wherein the long-range optical device and the electronicterminal are coupled to one another via a connection at leasttemporally.

According to a particular embodiment, it is possible that the electronicterminal comprises a display device, on which display device an imageand/or an image sequence captured by means of a camera module of thelong-range optical device can be displayed.

According to an advantageous further embodiment, it can be provided thatthe electronic terminal comprises a GPS receiver, wherein the locationof the long-range optical device can be determined.

Hence, standard components and/or standard functions of the electronicterminal can still be used. In this regard, the long-range opticaldevice can be produced and/or designed in a simple, compact andcost-effective manner.

For establishing a connection such as a WLAN, Bluetooth or NFCconnection, a long-range optical device and an electronic terminal mustbe located in a certain spatial proximity to one another, whereby thelocation of the electronic terminal can be determined relativelyexactly.

It can be advantageous to determine the horizontal alignment of thedevice to the magnet North Pole by means of a compass integrated in thelong-range optical device. The compass can also be used to detect anobservation phase towards a distant and stationary object (device atrest).

In particular, it can be advantageous if an application software isinstalled on a server device, which application software can be accessedby means of the electronic terminal and/or which application softwarecan be executed by means of the electronic terminal.

The application software can also be designed as a mobile applicationand be installed directly on the mobile terminal. The server device canalso be provided in the mobile terminal in this regard. A furtheradvantage of this is that the observation and image capturing system canbe designed to be particularly compact.

It can further be provided that the server device comprises a memorysystem, in which an image and/or an image sequence captured by means ofthe camera module of the long-range optical device can be stored.

Hence, it is possible that directly on the long-range optical deviceonly a small memory space is provided by an external memory system forstoring, filing, analyzing and/or classifying images, image sequences orvideos being used. The memory system can also be a memory system whichis directly provided in the electronic terminal.

Moreover, it can be provided that parameters and/or functions can becreated and/or edited by means of the application software on theelectronic terminal, wherein parameters and/or functions can betransmitted from the electronic terminal to the long-range opticaldevice and vice versa via the connection.

In this regard, parameters and/or functions can be simply created oredited by means of the user interface of the mobile terminal and betransmitted back to the long-range optical device. The long-rangeoptical device itself can still be simple with regard to the electroniccomponents and parts and can have a compact structure.

An embodiment according to which it can be provided that the electronicterminal is designed as a smartphone is also advantageous.

The invention further relates to a method for the retrieval ofparameters and/or execution of functions with an observation and imagecapturing system, wherein the retrieval of a preselected parametersand/or the execution of a function is carried out by actuation of anelectronic operating button of a long-range optical device.

In this regard, the retrieval of parameters and/or the execution offunctions can be carried out by the operation as easily and intuitivelyas possible.

Moreover, it can be useful if by a predetermined actuation of a singleelectronic operating button of the long-range optical device, theselection of a plurality of items from the group of parameters andfunctions is carried out.

By varyingly long actuations of the operating button, the operator cancall up and/or execute diverse parameters and functions.

Moreover, it can be provided that the operational readiness of thelong-range optical device is signaled by means of lighting of a displayunit of the long-range optical device in a first color.

In this regard, the operator advantageously received an immediatefeedback that the long-range optical device is switched on and ready tocapture an image, an image sequence and/or a video.

Moreover, it can be provided that the selection of a plurality of itemsfrom the group of parameters and functions is carried out based on adetermined actuating period and/or a determined time interval and/or adetermined actuating force.

In this regard, different actuating periods, time intervals and/oractuating forces can be stored for different parameters and functions.Hence, just one operating button allows for easy and intuitive operationby the operator.

Moreover, it can be useful if in case of a first determined actuatingperiod, a coupling operation of the long-range optical device to anelectronic terminal is carried out.

For this purpose, an interface module is provided in the long-rangeoptical device by means of which interface module a WLAN, Bluetooth orNFC connection with the electronic terminal can be established. Thestandard interfaces provided in the electronic terminal are used forthis purpose.

It can further be provided that the coupling operation is visualized bymeans of lighting of the display unit in a second color, wherein thelighting of the display unit in the second color is flashing during thecoupling operation and the lighting of the display unit in the secondcolor is continuous for a predefined period of time after the successfulcoupling operation.

The operator receives an immediate feedback on the status of thecoupling operation and on whether it has been completed successfully.

Moreover, it can be provided that a failed coupling operation issignaled by means of lighting the display unit in a third color.

An embodiment, according to which it can be provided that a chargingstate of an energy storage of the long-range optical device isvisualized by means of lighting the display unit in a fourth color, isalso advantageous.

The operator can be continuously informed about the charging state ofthe energy storage and initiate a charging operation in good time, iffor example a longer use of the long-range optical device is planned.

According to a further embodiment, it is possible that the chargingstate of the energy storage is visualized by means of at least onedisplay segment that can be lighted.

Advantageously, the charging state of the energy storage can also beseen and/or visualized well in darkness.

It can further be useful if the charging state of the energy storage isvisualized by means of combined lighting of the display unit and atleast one display segment.

Moreover, it can be provided that the operational readiness of thelong-range optical device is signaled by means of an acoustic outputunit.

In addition to the optical signaling, it can be advantageous to alsoprovide acoustic signaling. While the operator is observing an objectthrough the long-range optical device or is capturing an image, an imagesequence or a video, hence, easy signaling, for example of the start ofimage capturing, can be carried out by means of the acoustic outputunit. The operator therefore does not have to remove their view from ascene viewed through the sight channel. A simplification of theoperation can further be achieved by an acoustic input unit via anintegrated microphone.

Moreover, it can be provided that a wireless connection of thelong-range optical device to an electronic terminal is established,wherein parameters and/or functions are transmitted from the electronicterminal to the long-range optical device and vice versa.

According to a particular embodiment, it is possible that parametersand/or functions are transmitted from an electronic terminal to aplurality of long-range optical device and vice versa.

A plurality of operators can hence be provided with the same parametersand functions.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided thatfunctions selected from the group comprising switching on the long-rangeoptical device, switching off the long-range optical device, couplingthe long-range optical device to the electronic terminal, capturing animage by means of the image capturing channel, capturing a video bymeans of the image capturing channel by actuating the operating buttonare carried out.

Depending on the purpose of use and requirements by the operator,further functions are conceivable, wherein these can be easily createdon the electronic terminal and transmitted to a coupled long-rangeoptical device.

In particular, it can be advantageous if the selection of a plurality ofitems from the group of parameters and functions takes place immediatelyone after the other.

It may also be provided that the program flow of a plurality of selectedfunctions is carried out largely in parallel. Advantageously, the speedof the individual program flows can hence be increased.

Moreover, it can be provided that the program flow of a plurality ofselected functions is carried out so as to be displaced in time.

An embodiment, according to which it can be provided that the programflow is carried out by means of an application software of the coupledelectronic terminal is also advantageous.

Advantageously, the flow of the entire program logic happens on theelectronic terminal, whereby the long-range optical device can bedesigned as easy and compact as possible.

According to a further embodiment, it is possible that parameters and/orfunctions are created and/or edited by means of the application softwareon the electronic terminal, wherein parameters and/or functions aretransmitted from the electronic terminal to the long-range opticaldevice and vice versa via the wireless connection.

It can further be useful if by a predefined actuation of the operatingbutton, an image and/or an image sequence is captured, which are shownon a display device of the electronic terminal.

The long-range optical device can hence still be designed to be simpleand compact and the standard components of the electronic terminal canbe used for image representation.

According to a particular embodiment, it is possible that in case of thepredefined actuation of the operating button at the beginning ofcapturing the image and/or the image sequence, an acoustic signal isoutput by means of the acoustic output unit.

The operator can hence receive an immediate feedback on capturing havingbeen started without having to remove their view from an observed objectand/or an image detail.

Moreover, it can be provided that a captured image and/or a capturedimage sequence are stored in a memory system of a server device.

In this regard, the server device can have a direct wireless connectionto the long-range optical device or be coupled to the electronicterminal. Thus, the long-range optical device merely has to have a smallintegrated memory capacity and can still be designed to be compact andsimple.

Moreover, it can be provided that the location of the long-range opticaldevice is determined by means of a GPS receiver of the electronicterminal.

For the purpose of better understanding of the invention, it will beelucidated in more detail by means of the figures below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These show in a respectively very simplified schematic representation:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a long-range optical device;

FIG. 2 a side view of the long-range optical device;

FIG. 3 an eyepiece-side view of the long-range optical device;

FIG. 4 a bottom side of the long-range optical device;

FIG. 5 an observation and image capturing system;

FIG. 6 a first perspective view of a support unit of the long-rangeoptical device;

FIG. 7 an objective-side view of the support unit of the long-rangeoptical device;

FIG. 8 a second perspective view of the support unit of the long-rangeoptical device;

FIG. 9 the support frame of the support unit of the long-range opticaldevice, shown in a perspective view;

FIG. 10 a top view onto the support unit, depicted with the opticalcomponents;

FIG. 11 a cross-section of the two optical systems of the sight channeland the image capturing channel;

FIG. 12 a further embodiment of the long-range optical device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodimentsdescribed, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/orequal component designations, where the disclosures contained in theentire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts withequal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover,the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, atthe side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described anddepicted figure and in case of a change of position, thesespecifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the newposition.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a long-range optical device. Thelong-range optical device comprises a sight channel 2 and an imagecapturing channel, which are accommodated in a housing. The long-rangeoptical device further comprises a focusing ring for focusing an imageand/or image detail viewed through the long-range optical device, adiopter ring 6 for setting a dioptric correction, a display unit andmultiple display segments that can be lighted for representing acharging state of an energy storage of the long-range optical device. Bymeans of a lighting unit that can be changed in color, the display unitcan be lighted in different colors, wherein different operating statesof the long-range optical device and/or the retrieval of a parameterand/or the execution of a function can be visualized.

For example, the operational readiness and/or switching on thelong-range optical device is signaled by lighting of the display unit ina first color. Here, the selection of a plurality of items from thegroup of parameters and functions can be carried out based on adetermined actuating period and/or a determined time interval and/or adetermined actuating force.

For example, in case of a first determined actuating period, a couplingoperation of the long-range optical device to an electronic terminal canbe carried out. In this regard, the coupling operation can be visualizedby lighting of the display unit in a second color, wherein the lightingof the display unit in the second color is flashing during the couplingoperation and the lighting of the display unit in the second color iscontinuous for a predefined period of time after the successful couplingoperation. Moreover, a failed coupling operation can be signaled bylighting of the display unit in a third color.

In the alternative or in addition to the representation of the chargingstate of the energy storage by means of the display segment that can belighted, the charging state of the energy storage can also be visualizedby lighting of the display unit in a fourth color.

Furthermore, an acoustic output unit, which can also serve to signal theretrieval of a parameter and/or the execution of a function, is providedon the long-range optical device. For example, a first signal tone canbe output by means of the output unit after the long-range opticaldevice has been switched on. Moreover, it is conceivable that a secondsignal tone is output when a coupling operation with an electronicterminal was successful and/or a third signal tone is output when acoupling operation with an electronic terminal was not successful.

An electronic operating button is provided for execution a plurality ofitems from the group of parameters and functions. In the representedexemplary embodiment, the operating button is designed essentiallyellipsoid, wherein any geometric shape, such as round, rectangular, etc.is conceivable as the shape for the operating button.

FIG. 2 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of thelong-range optical device, wherein again, equal referencenumbers/component designations are used for equal parts as before inFIG. 1. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it is pointedto/reference is made to the detailed description in FIG. 1 preceding it.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the long-range optical device, wherein theoperating button is essentially flush with a surface of the housing ofthe long-range optical device. The operating button further comprises arecess, wherein the recess is formed as an orientation aid for at leastone finger of a hand of an operator.

The long-range optical device further comprises an eye cup, throughwhich the operator of the long-range optical device can observe an imageand/or an image detail, on the eyepiece side of the sight channel 2.Here, according to an exemplary embodiment not shown in further detail,it is conceivable that the operating button is designed as the eye cup,wherein the eye cup can be used to execute a plurality of items from thegroup of parameters and functions.

In this regard, the eye cup is designed so as to be displaceable in thelongitudinal direction along the central axis of the sight channel 2 toallow individual adjustment to an operator, who may be a wearer ofglasses.

FIG. 3 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of thelong-range optical device, wherein again, equal referencenumbers/component designations are used for equal parts as before inFIGS. 1 and 2. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it is pointedto/reference is made to the detailed description in FIGS. 1 and 2preceding it.

FIG. 3 shows an eyepiece-side view of the long-range optical device,wherein cylindrical pins are provided for holding a carrying strap notshown in further detail.

FIG. 4 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of thelong-range optical device, wherein again, equal referencenumbers/component designations are used for equal parts as before inFIGS. 1 to 3. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it is pointedto/reference is made to the detailed description in FIGS. 1 to 3 above.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom side of the long-range optical device, wherein asocket for a plug connector not shown in further detail of a connectingand/or charging cable is closed with a cover. After removing or openingthe cover, the plug connector of a connection or charging cable can beplugged in, whereupon a connection with an electronic terminal can beestablished or a charging operation of the energy storage can bestarted.

FIG. 5 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of theobservation and image capturing system, wherein again, equal referencenumbers/component designations are used for equal parts as before inFIGS. 1 to 4. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it is pointedto/reference is made to the detailed description in FIGS. 1 to 4 above.

The observation and image capturing system shown in FIG. 5 comprises along-range optical device and an electronic terminal in the form of asmartphone. The smartphone is coupled to the long-range optical devicevia a connection in the form of a wireless connection. The wirelessconnection can for example be a Bluetooth, WLAN or an NFC connection. Toimplement a connection and/or a wireless connection with an electronicterminal and/or a smartphone, the long-range optical device comprises aninterface module. In this regard, the interface module can comprise aWLAN antenna not depicted in further detail.

The long-range optical device is shown in FIG. 5 in an exploded viewwith a first housing part, a second housing part and a support unit. Afirst housing of the sight channel 2, a second housing of the imagecapturing channel, an adjusting mechanism, the interface module and aprocessing unit are arranged in and/or on the support unit.

The support unit can be a premounted assembly, which is inserted intothe first housing part and the second housing part during finalassembly. Hence, simple assembly of the long-range optical device isallowed for. The support unit can be made of aluminum and the housingand/or the first housing part and the second housing part can be made ofa plastic material.

Moreover, a camera module 32 is provided on the image capturing channel,wherein the sight channel 2 and the image capturing channel are coupledto one another by means of the adjusting mechanism such that a firstimage detail viewed in the sight channel 2 essentially corresponds to asecond image detail captured by the camera module 32. Parameters and/orfunctions can be stored in the long-range optical device by means of amemory unit. Parameters and/or functions can be transmitted from theelectronic terminal to the long-range optical device via the wirelessconnection of the long-range optical device with the electronicterminal.

For retrieving a parameter and/or executing a function, an actuation ofthe single electronic operating button provided on the long-rangeoptical device is carried out, wherein an actuating contact is actuated.

To determine an actuating period the operating button comprises a firstmeasuring device, wherein in case of a first actuating period, a firstfunction can be executed and in case of a second actuating perioddiffering from the first actuating period, a second function differingfrom the first function can be executed.

To determine a time interval between the actuations of the operatingbutton, the operating button comprises a second measuring device,wherein in case of a first actuating period, at least one first timeinterval and at least one second actuating period, a first function canbe executed and in case of a third actuating period, at least one secondtime interval and at least one fourth actuating period, a secondfunction differing from the first function can be executed.

To determine an actuating force, the operating button comprises a thirdmeasuring device, wherein in case of a first actuating force, a firstfunction can be executed and in case of a second actuating forcediffering from the first actuating force, a second function differingfrom the first function can be executed.

The first measuring device, the second measuring device and/or the thirdmeasuring device can also be arranged on the actuating contact accordingto an exemplary embodiment not shown in further detail.

The first measuring device, the second measuring device and the thirdmeasuring device are coupled to the processing unit in the embodimentshown in FIG. 5, wherein parameters can be called up and/or thefunctions can be executed based on the determined actuating period, thedetermined time interval and/or the determined actuating force.

The electronic terminal coupled to the long-range optical device via thewireless connection comprises a display device, such as a screen or atouchscreen. An image and/or video captured by means of the cameramodule 32 of the long-range optical device can be displayed on thedisplay device.

In this regard, recording an image and/or an image sequence can becarried out by a predefined actuation of the operating button, forexample an actuation of the operating button for an actuating period of0.5 seconds. An acoustic signal can be output by means of the acousticoutput unit when capturing is started.

The location of the long-range optical device can further be determinedby means of a GPS receiver provided in the electronic terminal.

The observation and image capturing system shown in FIG. 5 furthercomprises a server device having a memory system. In this regard, anapplication software, which the electronic terminal can access via asecond connection and/or wireless connection not shown in furtherdetail, is installed on the server device. The application software canbe executed by means of the electronic terminal. In this respect, partsof the application can be installed on the electronic terminal in theform of a mobile application. Parameters and/or functions can be createdor edited on the electronic terminal by means of the applicationsoftware, wherein parameters and/or functions can be transmitted fromthe electronic terminal to the long-range optical device and vice versavia the connection.

In this regard, parameters and/or functions can be transmitted from anelectronic terminal to a plurality of long-range optical devices andvice versa in an embodiment not shown in further detail.

The functions can be switching on the long-range optical device,switching off the long-range optical device, coupling the long-rangeoptical device to the electronic terminal, capturing an image by meansof the image capturing channel, capturing a image sequence and/or avideo by means of the image capturing channel, which are executed and/orstarted by actuating the operating button.

The selection of a plurality of items from the group of parameters andfunctions can take place immediately one after the other. The programflow of a plurality of selected functions can be carried out essentiallyin parallel or displaced in time. The program flow is carried out bymeans of the application software of the coupled electronic terminal.

An image and/or an image sequence captured by means of the camera module32 of the long-range optical device can still be stored in the memorysystem.

An application software and/or a mobile application can be a firstmobile application which offers the functions live streaming, imageadministration and implementation of updates for the firmware of thelong-range optical device. Live streaming is a real-time transmission ofan image or a video captured by means of the image capturing channeland/or the camera module 32 to the coupled electronic terminal. In thisregard, it is also possible that not just one single, but multipleterminals are coupled such that multiple persons can look at the livestream at the same time. In further consequence, images and/or videoscan be viewed on the display device of the electronic terminal by anoperator. In the course of image administration, transmitted images orvideos can be stored in a memory of the electronic terminal or betransmitted to the memory system and be stored there. The memory systemcan also be a cloud memory in an embodiment not described in furtherdetail.

A second mobile application can be an identification application forbirds. The type of bird can be recognized by means of an image databasenot described in further detail and an image recognition algorithm usingan image of a bird captured by means of the image capturing channeland/or the camera module 32, which is transmitted to the electronicterminal. Then, the type of the bird can be output on the display deviceof the electronic terminal. In this regard, it is conceivable thatadditional information such as a description of the type, a bird calland/or a representation of the geographic distribution are output on themobile terminal.

A third mobile application can be an identification application formountains, wherein the names of the mountain peaks can be output using acaptured image of mountains.

It is further conceivable that by means of a fourth mobile application,a captured image or an image sequence and/or a video is share with asecond operator, wherein a transmission to a second electronic terminalnot shown in further detail is carried out.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a further and possibly independent embodiment of thesupport unit of the long-range optical device, wherein again, equalreference numbers/component designations are used for equal parts asbefore in FIGS. 1 to 5. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it ispointed to/reference is made to the detailed description in FIGS. 1 to 5above.

FIG. 6 shows a first perspective view of the support unit of thelong-range optical device and FIG. 7 shows an objective-side view of thesupport unit of the long-range optical device.

For thermal management, a first heat dissipation device is formedbetween the support unit and the processing unit and a second heatdissipation device is formed between the support unit and the firsthousing of the sight channel 2. The waste heat of the processing unitand/or of a voltage controller not shown in further detail istransferred to the support unit via the first heat dissipation device.For an improved transfer of the waste heat, the support unit can be madeof aluminum.

FIG. 8 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of thesupport unit of the long-range optical device, wherein again, equalreference numbers/component designations are used for equal parts asbefore in FIGS. 1 to 7. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it ispointed to/reference is made to the detailed description in FIGS. 1 to 7above.

FIG. 8 shows a second perspective view of the support unit of thelong-range optical device. For thermal management, moreover, a thirdheat dissipation device is formed between the housing of the long-rangeoptical device and the camera module 32. In this regard, thermalcoupling of the camera module 32 and/or the image capturing channel tothe housing can be provided via a heat-conducting plate made of copper.

FIG. 9 shows the support frame 101 of the support unit 27 of thelong-range optical device 1 in a perspective view. For reasons ofclarity, components and/or assemblies arranged on the support frame 101for mounting the support unit 27 are not shown (FIG. 5). The sightchannel 2 and the image capturing channel 3 are held in two tubularrecesses of the support frame 101, which is also indicated by a firstoptical axis 102 of the sight channel 2 and a second optical axis 103 ofthe image capturing channel 3. The support frame 101 is preferablydesigned as a single piece, whereby a more precise and stable alignmentof the sight channel 2 and the image capturing channel 3 relative to oneanother can be ensured. A first and a second bearing bush 104, 105 forholding a push rod 106 of the adjusting mechanism 30 can be seen on thesupport frame 101 (FIG. 10).

FIG. 10 shows a top view onto the support unit 27, in which the supportframe 101 is shown along with optical components of the sight channel 2and the image capturing channel 3. The representation corresponds to atop view in the direction perpendicularly to a plane containing one ofthe optical axes 102, 103 of the sight channel 2 and/or the imagecapturing channel 3. The push rod 106 of the adjusting mechanism 30 iscoupled to corresponding displaceable lens mounts of the sight channel 2and of the image capturing channel 3 by means of a first driver 107 anda second driver 108. Via corresponding control grooves (not shown), thefocusing ring 5 (FIG. 1), when actuated, can act on the adjustmentmechanism 30 such that the push rod 106 is moved in parallel to theoptical axes 102, 103. By coupling to the push rod 106 by means of thedrivers 107, 108, lastly, a first focusing lens 109 of the sight channel2 on the one hand and a second focusing lens 110 of the image capturingchannel 3 on the other hand (FIG. 11) are displaced in the axialdirection. The focusing ring 5, the push rod 106 and the two drivers107, 108 hence form a first focusing unit, by means of which the firstfocusing lens 109 of the sight channel 2 and the second focusing lens110 of the image capturing channel 3 can be displaced together.

Furthermore, an eyepiece mount 111 of a first eyepiece 112 (a lenssystem formed of multiple individual lenses) of the sight channel 2 canbe seen (FIG. 11) on the observer-side end region of the sight channel 2of the support frame 101. The eyepiece lens 112 can be displaced in thedirection of the optical axis 102 by actuation and/or by rotation of thediopter ring 6 (FIG. 1). Hence, a second focusing unit is formed at thesight channel 2 of the long-range optical device 1.

FIG. 11 shows the two optical systems of the sight channel 2 and theimage capturing channel 3, represented by means of a cross-sectionaccording to a sectional plane with the optical axes 102, 103 of thesight channel 2 and/or the image capturing channel 3. For reasons ofclarity, the representation of other components than those lenses and/orprisms responsible for the optical imaging has been essentiallydispensed with in the representation of the long-range optical device 1in FIG. 11. Moreover, it should be noted here that where, below,“lenses”, such as an eyepiece lens, an objective lens or a focusinglens, are referred to and the term “lens” is used in the singular form,that is not to be understood in a limiting sense, but that, whereappropriate, a system of multiple lenses is or may be meant by thatterm. This is common practice in technical optics to avoid and/orcompensate for imaging errors.

A cover glass 113 and/or a cover glass 114 is provided on the objectiveside on both the sight channel 2 and the image capturing channel 3.Following the cover glass 113, the sight channel 2 comprises anobjective lens 115, the focusing lens 109, an erecting system 116 formedby prisms, a field lens 117, a reticle 118 and an eyepiece lens 112. Afirst beam path for enlarged representation of a distant object isformed by the mentioned optical elements. A second beam path is formedin the image capturing channel 3. Following the cover glass 114, itsoptical elements are an objective lens 119, the focusing lens 110, aneyepiece lens 120 and the camera module 32. The objective lens 119, thefocusing lens 110 and the eyepiece lens 120 of the image capturingchannel 3 together form an afocal lens system. The camera module 32 ispreferably formed as a unit with an electronic image capturing sensor, aseparate objective and with an integrated autofocus function.

In the representation according to FIG. 11, parts of the adjustingmechanism 30, such as the push rod 106 and the two drivers 107, 108 forcommon displacement of the focusing lens 109 of the sight channel 2 andthe focusing lens 110 of the image capturing channel 3 are also shownbeing indicated in dashed lines. As mentioned above, the eyepiece lens112 can also be displaced in the direction of the optical axis 102 ofthe sight channel 2. This allows a user to first focus the eyepiece lens112 on marks (not shown) on the reticle 118 by actuating the diopterring 6. The reticle 118 is arranged stationarily in the sight channel 2in the direction of the optical axis 102. By the spatial arrangement ofthe marks provided on the reticle 118, hence, a reference image plane121 is determined.

Moreover, the marks placed on the reticle 118 are arranged such that animage detail captured by the camera module 32 is marked for an operatorand/or an observer. Preferably, marks are provided by which the lateraledges of a rectangular image detail or the corners of the image detailare indicated.

Thus, when operating the long-range optical device 1 for observing adistant object, a person will first focus the eyepiece and/or theeyepiece lens 112 to the reference image plane 121 by means of thediopter ring 6 when looking through the sight channel 2. Afterwards—whenaligning the long-range optical device 1 with a distant object (and/orwhen aiming)—an image of the distant object can also be focused byrotating the focusing ring 5. This focusing of the image of the distantobject is equivalent to a displacement of an image plane of the image ofthe distant object, such that it comes to rest in the reference imageplane 121 as precisely as possible. Hence, the marks of the reticle 118and the image of the distant object appear equally sharp to the operatorwhen looking through the eyepiece 112.

With respect to the reference image plane 118, the focusing lens 109 ofthe sight channel 2 is arranged on a side of the reference image plane118 facing away from the eyepiece 112. Hence, focusing of the eyepiecelens 112 to the reticle 118 and focusing of the image of the distantobject to the reference image plane 121 can be carried outindependently. This means that a displacement of the focusing lens 109of the sight channel 2 does not result in defocusing of the eyepiecelens 112 to the reticle 118 and vice versa.

Since the focusing lens 109 of the sight channel 2 and the focusing lens110 of the image capturing channel 3 are commonly displaced by actuationof the focusing ring 5 and hence by a movement of the adjustingmechanism 30, the second focusing operation of the sight channel 2(displacement of the focusing lens 109) at the same time also results inan axial displacement of the image planes of the distant object in thebeam path of the image capturing channel 3. The displacement of theimage planes in the image plane 3 has the effect of presetting or roughadjustment of the sharpness of the image capturing channel 3. Asubsequent fine adjustment of the sharpness of the image is theneffected by the autofocus function of the camera and/or the cameramodule 32. For this purpose, the objective of the camera module 32 thatcan be changed by the autofocus function of the camera module 32 isautomatically adjusted such that a sharp image of the distant object isreproduced on the light-sensitive sensor surface.

The automatic sharpness adjustment of the image in the image capturingchannel 3 with the autofocus function of the camera module 32 ispreferably started immediately after the actuation of the electronicoperating button 13 for triggering image recording. However, as analternative, initiating the autofocus function of the camera module 32can also be triggered by the processing unit 31 under program control.For example, movements of the focusing lens 109 and the eyepiece lens112 can be monitored by the processing unit 31 with the aid ofoptionally provided sensors. In case of the processing unit 31determining a sequence of an adjustment of the eyepiece lens 112 withthe diopter ring 6 and a subsequent adjustment of the focusing lens 109by actuation of the focusing ring 5, the processing unit 31 can triggerthe autofocus function of the camera module 32 immediately aftertermination of the movement of the focusing lens 109. The advantage ofthis is that in case of the use of the mobile application with thefunction of a live streaming on the electronic terminal 11, each changeof focusing of the sight channel 2 by the person operating thelong-range optical device 1 at the same time results in correspondingfocusing of the image on the electronic terminal 11 without theelectronic operating button 13 having to be actuation again for thispurpose.

In case of triggering of the autofocus function of the camera module 32being initiated by the processing unit 31, it is preferably providedthat solely the detection of an end of the movement of the focusing lens109 is used as a criterion. This is due to the fact that as long as thesame person is operating the long-range optical device 1, resetting ofthe eyepiece lens 112 for dioptric correction will not be necessary.Automatic triggering of the autofocus function after termination ofmanual focusing further has the advantage that when image/videorecording is triggered by actuation of the operating button 13, newautofocusing can be omitted. Hence, the entire capturing operation isaccelerated significantly, since the time between triggering and actualimage recording is shortened recognizably.

By means of an—optionally—integrated compass, the long-range opticaldevice 1 and/or its processing unit 31 can recognize whether anobservation phase, in which the long-range optical device 1 is directedtowards a distant object that is not moving (the device is at rest), istaking place. If this is the case, as described above, automaticfocusing can be started after termination of the manual focusing. It isalso conceivable that in the detected observation phase, an automaticimage/video recording is started in the background. The image materialcan for example be evaluated subsequently or in case of manualtriggering provide image material from shortly before/after triggering.It would also be possible to carry out an automatic selection with anobject classification (e.g. merely birds or faces) using the imagescaptured in the background.

In a representation of an image recorded by the camera module 32 on thedisplay device 38 of the electronic terminal 11 of the observation andimage capturing system 20 (FIG. 5), it is also possible that an operatorcarries out a selection of an image detail of the represented image onthe electronic terminal 11 and in response to this, the camera module 32of the long-range optical device 1 is controlled by the user program(the app) on the electronic terminal 11. Subsequently, the autofocusunit of the camera module 32 refocuses on a corresponding detail of theimage detail selected on the electronic terminal 11. Hence, focusing ondifferent details and/or objects at different distances of therepresented scenery can be effected on the electronic terminal 11 withotherwise unchanged adjustment and alignment of the long-range opticaldevice 1 to a distant object and/or a corresponding scenery in the fieldof vision. In case of use of a display device 38 formed by atouchscreen, simple touching of the screen at a position where an objectis shown could be used for triggering such focusing by the autofocusunit of the camera module 32 on this object.

The optical systems of the sight channel 2 and the image capturingchannel 3 of the long-range optical device 1 according to this exemplaryembodiment are defined in more detail in Tables 1 and 2 below by meansof their technical data.

Table 1 indicates the optical data of the lens system of the sightchannel 2. Therein, “m” refers to the number of the surface according toa count starting at the object-side end of the system. “r” indicates theradius of the curvature of the surface and “d” indicates the distance tothe next following surface. In this regard, radii of curvature anddistances are stated in mm. With regard to the signs of the radii ofcurvature “r” of the surfaces, the convention otherwise usual intechnical optics is used as a basis. This means that the radius is givenas the distance from the reference point of the surface, i.e. the pointcommon to the optical axis, to its center of curvature. If thisdirection (from the reference point of the object towards its center ofcurvature) is directed just as the direction from the objective to theobserver (main direction of propagation of light, z-coordinate), theradius has a positive sign, otherwise the sign is negative. Theindication “inf” (=“infinity”) for the radius r refers to a planarsurface. In the fourth column, “glass”, the type of glass is stated inthe designations of the catalogs of the company Schott AG. An “L” standsfor air between the types of glass of two lenses or plates following oneanother.

TABLE 1 m r/mm d/mm glass 1 inf 2 N-BK7 2 inf 30.3 L 3 47.627 5.2 N-SK54 −55.033 1.8 N-LASF9 5 −169.540 30 L 6 −197.380 1.5 N-FK5 7 158.70012.7 L 8 inf 22.24 N-BAK4 9 inf 1 L 10 inf 36.25 N-BAK4 11 int 5.1 L 12−15.784 1 N-BK7 13 −255.750 2.62 L 14 inf 1.5 N-BK7 15 inf 4.2 L 16−92.000 4.3 N-LASF44 17 −17.700 3.8 L 18 −68.592 1 FDS90 19 15.000 7.5N-PSK53A 20 −25.101 0.3 L 21 16.535 5.4 N-LAF34 22 148.630

Table 2 contains the optical data of the lens system of the imagecapturing channel 3. Therein, the indication “asph” in the second columnrefers to an aspheric surface of a lens.

TABLE 2 m r/mm d/mm glass 1 inf 2 N-BK7 2 inf 1.5 L 3 33.820 5.45 FCD1 4−39.811 1.5 N-LASF43 5 204.370 0.45 L 6 29.726 3.6 FCD1 7 98.120 16.05 L8 211.460 3.1 N-SF6 9 −27.600 1.3 N-SF10 10 64.590 26.77 L 11 9.640 5N-LASF46A 12 12.050 5.85 L 13 asph 2.74 S-LAH60 14 asph 2.42 L 15 18.7074.9 N-LASF44 16 −12.544 4 L 17 7.430 3.6 N-LAK12 18 −8.725 0.9 N-LAF2119 −26.820

By means of FIG. 12, a second exemplary embodiment of a long-rangeoptical device 1 is described. FIG. 12 shows the long-range opticaldevice 1 in a schematically simplified manner. Besides the imagecapturing channel 3 and the sight channel 2, it comprises a second sightchannel 2′ arranged parallel to the sight channel 2. Thus, thelong-range optical device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment isformed as a type of binoculars and/or field glasses. The housing parts123, 124 holding the two sight channels 2, 2′ are connected to oneanother by a hinged bridge with a pivot axis 125. By pivoting the twohousing parts 123, 124 about the pivot axis 125, the relative distancebetween the two sight channels 2, 102 an be adjusted to theinterpapillary distance of a user. Moreover, the image capturing channel3 is arranged such that its optical axis 103 is positioned coaxially tothe pivot axis 125. It is also provided for that the focusing ring 5 isarranged coaxially to the pivot axis 125 as well.

FIG. 12 shows only those optical elements which are directly related tothe formation of the beam paths of the two sight channels 2, 2′ and theimage capturing channel 3. Additionally, the adjusting mechanism 30 withthe focusing ring 5 connected thereto and with the push rods 106 isshown, by the actuation of which the focusing lenses 109 of the twosight channel 2, 2′ and, moreover, the focusing lens 110 of the imagecapturing channel 3 can be displaced together for focusing.

The operating measures related to focusing the eyepiece lens 112 of thefirst sight channel 2 to the reference image plane 121 and subsequentfocusing of an image of the distant object to the same reference imageplane 121, as described above using the exemplary embodiment accordingto FIGS. 9 to 11, can be applied in the same way to this exemplaryembodiment of the long-range optical device 1. Irrespectively thereof, adioptric correction between the right and the left eye of a user byadjusting the eyepiece lens 112′ of the second sight channel 2′ with adiopter ring 6′ is also possible. Thus, when operating the long-rangeoptical device 1 according to this binocular exemplary embodiment,subsequently to the focusing steps already described above, anadditional focusing operation can be carried out for the second sightchannel 2′.

The method for operating the long-range optical device 1 when observinga distant object—in the case of this exemplary embodiment of thelong-range optical device 1—comprises the following steps:

a) focusing the first sight channel 2 to the reticle 118 by actuation ofthe diopter ring 6 (for displacement of the eyepiece lens 112);

b) focusing the first sight channel 2 to a distant object by actuationof the focusing ring 5 (for displacement of the focusing lenses 109,109′ and the focusing lens 110 of the image capturing channel 3);

c) focusing the second sight channel 2′ to the same distant object byactuation of the diopter ring 6′ (for displacement of the eyepiece lens112′).

After termination of steps a) and b), focusing of the image capturingchannel 3 by the autofocus unit can be carried out automatically.

In a further alternative embodiment of the long-range optical device 1,an image of a reticle and/or its marks projected into the beam path ofthe sight channel 2 can be used in place of the reticle 118 by means ofwhich the location of the reference image plane 121 has been determined.Such an image could have an illuminated mask or an electronic display asits object. Another alternative possibility for the determination of theposition of the reference image plane 121 is a transparent display whichis arranged in the beam path at the position of the reference imageplane 121.

The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, and itshould be noted in this respect that the invention is not restricted tothese particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that ratheralso various combinations of the individual embodiment variants arepossible and that this possibility of variation owing to the teachingfor technical action provided by the present invention lies within theability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, thedescription and the drawings are to be adduced for construing theclaims. Individual features or feature combinations from the differentexemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independentinventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventivesolutions may be gathered from the description.

All indications regarding ranges of values in the present descriptionare to be understood such that these also comprise random and allpartial ranges from it, for example, the indication 1 to 10 is to beunderstood such that it comprises all partial ranges based on the lowerlimit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all partial ranges start with alower limit of 1 or larger and end with an upper limit of 10 or less,for example 1 through 1.7, or 3.2 through 8.1, or 5.5 through 10.

Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease ofunderstanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted toscale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

1. A long-range optical device comprising: at least one sight channeland an image capturing channel, wherein the image capturing channelcomprises a camera module for electronically capturing images, andwherein in the sight channel, a first beam path is formed by a firstobjective, a first focusing lens, an erecting system and a firsteyepiece, and wherein in the image capturing channel, a second beam pathis formed by a second objective, a second focusing lens and a secondeyepiece, and wherein the first focusing lens and the second focusinglens are displaceable together by means of a first focusing unit,wherein the first beam path of the sight channel, a reference imageplane is determined by a reticle or by an image reproduced by projectionoptics, and that the first eyepiece of the sight channel is displaceableby means of a second focusing unit for focusing on the reference imageplane.
 2. The long-range optical device according to claim 1, whereinthe first focusing unit comprises a focusing ring and an adjustingmechanism, which is coupled to the focusing ring, for displacing thefirst focusing lens and the second focusing lens in parallel to opticalaxes of the first and the second beam paths.
 3. The long-range opticaldevice according to claim 1, wherein the second focusing unit comprisesa diopter ring for displacing the eyepiece lens in parallel to theoptical axis of the first beam path.
 4. The long-range optical deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the camera module comprises a thirdfocusing unit.
 5. The long-range optical device according to claim 4,wherein the camera module comprises an electronic image capturing sensorand the third focusing unit comprises an autofocus unit.
 6. Thelong-range optical device according to claim 1, wherein the second beampath of the image capturing channel comprises an afocal lens system. 7.The long-range optical device according to claim 1, wherein the firstfocusing lens of the sight channel is arranged on a side of thereference image plane facing away from the first eyepiece.
 8. Thelong-range optical device according to claim 1, wherein two sightchannels are formed.
 9. A method for observing a distant object with along-range optical device according to claim 1, the method comprising:an operator, while looking through the sight channel, subjectivelyfocuses the first eyepiece of the sight channel to the reference imageplane by means of the second focusing unit; and subsequently, whileaiming at the distant object, an image of the distant object is focusedby means of the first focusing unit; and subsequently an image of thedistant object is automatically focused in the image capturing channelby means of the third focusing unit of the camera module.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein a processing unit detects the completionof movement of the focusing lens and subsequently the processing unitautomatically triggers the focusing of the image of the distant objectin the image capturing channel.
 11. The method according to claim 9,wherein when an electronic operating button is actuated by the operator,focusing of the image of the distant object in the image capturingchannel is triggered.
 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein awireless connection of the long-range optical device to an electronicterminal is established and the image of the distant object is displayedon a display device by the electronic terminal, and that the operatorselects an image detail of the image of the distant object on theelectronic terminal, and that the autofocus function of the cameramodule is automatically controlled to focus on the selected imagedetail.